Bayer 04 head coach Kasper Hjulmand made just one change from the 6-3 win over VfL Wolfsburg: Aleix Garcia was recalled to the starting line-up after suspension at the expense of Ezequiel Fernández. Lucas Vázquez was included in the squad for the first time since late February having recovered from his calf injury, but Jarell Quansah missed out again. In the clash with the best team of the second half of the season so far - BVB had won 10 of their last 12 league games - the Werkself initially focused on maintaining defensive solidity. Dortmund had more possession at the beginning but didn't really threaten until the 17th minute with Daniel Svensson's shot, which the well-positioned Loïc Badé managed to claw away from the far corner of the net with his head.
Bayer 04 began to make more inroads in attack around the half-hour mark, with both Ibrahim Maza and Christian Kofane warming the gloves of goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. With more of the play taking place in the Dortmund half, Leverkusen got their reward in the 42nd minute. Robert Andrich won the ball on the edge of the box, pulled the trigger and found the corner with a bouncing shot to put the visitors in front.
Following the restart, Dortmund upped the tempo, while the Werkself defended alertly with organiser Edmond Tapsoba and waited for opportunities on the counter. Hjulmand made the first change with Patrik Schick replacing Kofane on 54 minutes, and the Czech was involved immediately. After receiving the ball from Maza, Schick aimed for the near corner but Kobel saved with his body. Bayer 04 largely kept the hosts at bay after that with controlled possession. More substitutions followed with Ernest Poku and Vásquez coming on for Nathan Tella and Montrell Culbreath (74;).
Bayer 04 were given one scare when Serhou Guirassy struck the bar from a tight angle (83'). Shortly after that, Schick missed the chance to make it 2-0 for Leverkusen when Kobel saved his header from Alejandro Grimaldo's corner. The Werkself held on during three minutes of added time and celebrated their success wildly - the second win of the season in Dortmund after the 1-0 victory in the DFB Pokal.
Next up for the Werkself is a home game against FC Augsburg on Matchday 30. Kick-off at the BayArena is at 15:30 CEST on Saturday 18 April.
Match stats:
Borussia Dortmund: Kobel – Anton, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini – Ryerson (Kabar 75'), Bellingham (Özcan 75'), Svensson (Beier 59') – Sabitzer (Chukwuemeka 64'), Brandt – Guirassy, Fabio Silva (Inacio 64')
Bayer 04: Flekken – Andrich, Badé, Tapsoba – Culbreath (Vázquez 74'), Garcia, Palacios, Grimaldo – Maza (90'+2 Tillman), Tella (Poku 74') – Kofane (Schick 54')
Goal: 0-1 Andrich (42')
Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Oberasbach)
Yellow cards: Bensebaini, Guirassy, Beier / -
Attendance: 81,365 at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK (sold out)
Bayer 04 Leverkusen has secured a new network partner in Extreme Networks GmbH. The leading provider of AI-powered network automation has agreed a five-year partnership with the Bundesliga club, running until 30 June 2031. As part of this, the club’s existing Wi-Fi 5 infrastructure will be replaced by more than 400 Wi-Fi 7 access points, which are specifically designed to meet the requirements of a stadium with a high user density. The aim is to enhance the fan experience while optimising operational processes and security.
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New signing Miguel Gutiérrez has made a good start at Leverkusen and has promptly earned a nomination for Player of the Month in his first few weeks in the Bundesliga. He has scored one goal and provided three assists in four league games. The Spanish left-back has also brought some impressive stats with him to Bayer 04. Issue #56 of the Werkself magazine has taken a look at these figures. ‘Facts & Fun’ with Miguel Gutiérrez.
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